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Some colleges are using chatbots -- a Siri-like program that simulates human conversation -- to perform some roles traditionally done by teaching assistants. The schools use the chatbots to answer student questions, nudge them to finish assignments and foster discussion in online channels.

The act of paltering is popular in business and politics as a way of using truthful statements to distort or deceive. "People who palter may gain some ground in negotiating a better deal for themselves in the short run, but if their cunning ways are discovered, they can do long-term damage to relationships," writes Dina Gerdeman.

The number of students receiving Ph.D.s at US colleges and universities reached a record high in 2015 as awarded degrees increased by 1.9% over 2014, a new survey shows. The survey also found that nearly 64% of graduates were from the US and 53.8% of them were men.

Total household wealth reached $90.2 trillion in the third quarter, a 1.8% increase, according to the Federal Reserve. The gain was driven by real estate values, which increased $554 billion, and stock and mutual fund portfolios, which climbed $494 billion.

Kroger-owned Pay Less stores in Indiana are running a holiday food drive that encourages customers to either add donations to their totals or to buy full bags of food for the needy. Other grocers are also raising funds and awareness for charitable causes this season, including Fresh Thyme Farmers Market which has partnered with a group that provides moms and kids with vitamins.

CDC researchers found that the rate of pregnant women in the US who received influenza vaccination increased from 33% during the 2009-2010 flu season and 41% during the 2013-2014 season to 50% during the 2015-2016 season, but still fell short of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations that all women who are or might be pregnant receive the vaccine. The findings in the agency's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report also showed that 63% of those whose providers recommended and offered flu vaccines received the vaccine, compared with 38% of those whose providers recommended but didn't offer the vaccine.

Target has embraced technology by developing an internal programmatic unit and its own platform for supplier brands, "Target Guest Access." The company's forward-looking approach extends to testing addressable TV to give viewers personalized ads on networks such as AT&T's DirectTV.

IKEA's "Retail Therapy" campaign features products renamed to match common Google searches. Each of the new monikers refers to a relationship problem, implying the product solves it, such as "My daughter is out all night" leading to a disco ball or "My family doesn't respect me" leading to a white queen costume.

Ford topped US automakers with more than 1,400 domestic patents this year, edging out Toyota for the top spot. Work on self-driving vehicle technologies fueled a 25% increase over record 2015 Ford patent levels.

Showtime will stream live boxing matches on Facebook on Saturday as part of the network's live boxing telecast. The streaming is part of a move to increase awareness of the network's live card, according to Showtime Sports executive vice present Stephen Espinoza.

Florida's Port Tampa Bay has unveiled Vision 2030, a multiyear development plan that includes dredging, expanding its rail lines, building a petroleum storage center and adding warehouses. Apartments, condominiums and a waterfront park also would be built.

The Obama administration's decision to block the Dakota Access Pipeline is taking a toll not only on Energy Transfer Partners, but on North Dakota as its oil producers will need to ship more of their Bakken oil via rail, hurting their margins. Production in the state's Bakken Shale has already declined by a third in recent years because of a lack of pipeline infrastructure and low oil prices.

Seasonal profile pictures, advertising on Facebook and Instagram and postings of activities on the premises and in the community are effective ways for hoteliers to boost holiday business through social media. Meanwhile, giveaways and themed parties can add to the effort to pep up a normally slow period.